MLB: Friday's highlights

Cardinals 7, Cubs 0: St. Louis clinched its first N.L. Central title in four years, beating Chicago behind the strong pitching of Lance Lynn and home runs by David Freese and Matt Holliday.

The Cardinals ruled first baseman Allen Craig (injured left foot) out for the first part of the playoffs.

Pirates 4, Reds 1: Pedro Alvarez hit a two-run homer high off the batter's eye, leading the Pirates over the Reds in a series that could decide the N.L. wild-card game host.

Yankees: Manager Joe Girardi says Mariano Rivera can play center field this weekend against Houston if he wants to.

Mariners: Manager Eric Wedge has told the Mariners he will not return for next season. The Mariners said Wedge will manage the final three games of the season against the A's.

Tigers: Jhonny Peralta returned from a 50-game suspension, starting in left field. The career infielder is trying a new position in an effort to earn a spot on Detroit's postseason roster.

Indians: Former All-Star reliever Chris Perez has lost his job as the closer.

Marlins: President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest was fired after 12 years with the Marlins. The move came as the team neared the end of its third consecutive last-place season in the N.L. East.

Gates Brown dies: Gates Brown, an outfielder who played his entire 13-year major league career with the Detroit Tigers, has died. He was 74.